2008 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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It may be boxy, but the Subaru Forester's shape makes perfect sense.
The Forester was slightly updated a couple of model years ago with a facelift and a new rear end, but a meaningful generational change is due out the following year. For now, we get the same boxy-but-beautiful shape we’ve come to love over the years.
As Subaru’s small compact SUV, the Impreza-based Forester competes in a crowded segment that includes the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but it’s the AWD Subaru that comes out feeling like the true athlete of the group.
That sporty sensation comes with somewhat unrefined road manners, but the Subaru Forester has enough stability where it counts to be comfortable in most circumstances. Where the Subaru comes up a little short against its competition is in fuel economy, where it lands much closer to the SUV side of the spectrum than it does to the car side. That said, new car buyers wanting a more rugged experience will be happy, and won't have to give up everything to get it.
If you are seeking an exciting and beautiful vehicle, look elsewhere. But if you want a form-over-function shape with the absolute maximum usable space, the Forester has you covered. The 2006 update brought a more upscale look to the model, with more chrome, plus body-coloured panels, but there’s no getting around the box factor. With slightly flared fenders and a boxy profile, the Subaru has a decidedly more muscular stance than its competition, and the Forester XT trim looks downright aggressive with its hood scoop and rear spoiler.
The Forester’s interior takes much of the same approach to styling, in that there’s plenty of substance but not much style. The dash is clean and uninterrupted by large buttons or displays. The simple three-spoke steering wheel can be had with audio controls in some trims, but even still the overall aesthetic is one of pure utility.
You can have your Forester any way you want it, as long as that way includes all-wheel drive (AWD). Beyond that, there are two engine and transmission choices: A 2.5-litre flat-four producing power specs of 173 horsepower, and a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 224 horsepower.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic gearbox is optional. The lesser engine does just fine around town, helping the boxy Forester jump into traffic with ease, but it’s on the highway where things start to fall flat. Reaching highway speeds is no problem but passing and accelerating from there can be a mixed bag. The basic flat-four engine lacks the top-end punch that it needs to be a truly competent highway cruiser.
The 224-horsepower engine has a turbocharger that makes its power delivery more dramatic. That gives the Forester an exciting driving dynamic that most of its competition lacks.
Though the Forester rides taller than a normal passenger car, it’s not plagued by the rough rides that many of its SUV brethren suffer. Over some road surfaces, the vehicle can feel unsettled and bumpy, but it never feels out of control. There’s a playful, spunky feeling to the Forester’s performance that larger SUVs can’t match, and the fact that there’s a manual transmission with a hill holder function on board will make enthusiasts happy. Alloy wheels are included on all trims but the base Forester 2.5X.
That somewhat unrefined on-road manner doesn’t translate to all-out off-road performance. Though the Forester’s got the ground clearance to make a serious run through the woods, there’s not enough rigidity and toughness in the suspension and body to make it a hardcore wheeler. That said, the Forester’s got enough ability to take its occupants further than most people will ever want to go in a vehicle, aided by the limited-slip differential that comes in at the XS grade. Coupled with a respectable 1,088-kilogram (2,400-pound) towing capacity, that capability makes the Forester a great right-sized utility vehicle.
Road and wind noise become a problem at higher speeds, possibly due to the Forester’s large-windowed shape, but almost certainly because there’s a lack of needed sound insulation. Under hard acceleration, both powertrains generate an excessive amount of noise, but the mechanical bits quiet down when cruising.
The Forester places usability at the top of its list of priorities, so nearly everything about it is designed with that in mind. The front seats are supportive, but lean to the sporty side, so there may be a heavier bolster than many drivers are accustomed to. Controls and buttons are placed well within reach of both front passengers, and the large windows allow for excellent outward visibility in all directions. In higher trims, leather upholstery gives the Forester a luxurious feel and upscale appearance, but the overall aesthetic is still one of maximum utility. Standard features like air conditioning, power functions, intermittent front and rear wipers, and roof rails help keep this Subaru livable.
Back seat passengers will find slightly less leg room than rivals, due to the Forester’s relatively short wheelbase. But the tall roof at least affords more than enough headroom for nearly any adult. Parents will find difficulty installing larger car seats for the same reason, as there will be competition between front passengers’ leg room and the car seat in back.
At least there’s plenty of cargo space to make up for it. With the rear seat up, the Forester offers 877 litres in the cargo area and more than 1,900 litres when it’s down.
Subaru has long placed safety at the forefront of its vehicle designs, and the Forester is proof of that commitment. The 2008 model was awarded a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning 'Good' marks in all categories from the ratings agency. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the 2008 Forester five stars in all crash test categories as well.
Standard safety gear includes dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, active head restraints, and anti-lock brakes. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system also helps the Forester remain on track when the weather gets rough.
The Forester’s base MSRP of $26,995 is very competitive when the Subaru is stacked up against its closest rivals. Standard AWD makes it a big value pick in comparison to compact sport utility vehicles like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4; neither of those have AWD standard. Adding trim levels and options package could take the Forester’s price up to nearly $40,000 when new, but at the higher levels the Subaru gets lost under more feature-packed offerings from Honda and Toyota.
The downside is the Forester's fuel economy. In its most basic form with a manual gearbox, the Forester is rated by Natural Resources Canada at 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 10.6 on the highway. Stepping up to the automatic transmission lowers city consumption by 0.2 of a litre and only dings highway consumption by an extra half a litre. When paired with a manual transmission, the XT models' turbo engine delivers 11.2 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway, but here the automatic transmission changes the numbers to 11.5/8.7.
The more powerful engine puts the Forester well behind the competition in fuel economy, and Subaru’s recommendation for premium fuel brings to the table yet another cost disadvantage.
Note: Images show a US model.
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2008 Subaru Forester Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 100 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brake width: 1.4 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brake width: 1.4 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake width: 1.4 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 155 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent